For the first two quarters, it seemed like the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers were set to write the same tale during their magical UAAP Season 82 run against the twice-to-beat University of the Philippines (UP).
But not until Harold Alarcon and the rest of the Fighting Maroons found their touch to ensure State U will write their next chapter.
Fresh from a career-high game, Alarcon scored 14 of his 16 points in the second half to send UST packing, 78-69, in their Season 87 Final Four showdown today, Nov. 30, at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Francis Lopez and Reyland Torres also dropped 16 and 13 markers, respectively, while one-and-done center Quentin Millora-Brown flirted with a near double-double of 9 points, 19 rebounds, and four blocks en route to UP’s fourth consecutive finals appearance.
“We expected a tough fight against UST… they’re improving a lot,” said UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde, commending UST, who entered the Final Four stage for the first time since 2019.
“On our end, what’s important for us is the way we responded. I believe in the second half, we started moving the ball well and we had the momentum,” he added.
Things started slow for the second-seeded UP, staring at a 33-35 deficit by halftime.
The Growling Tigers were able to extend their advantage to six early in the third quarter, but the Fighting Maroons sparked a massive 21-4 bomb to flip the switch and lead by as many as 11.
Eager to keep their championship hopes alive, Nic Cabañero, Forthsky Padrigao, and Kyle Paranado connived for consecutive buckets to get within striking distance midway through the final frame, 66-61.
But Padrigao’s ejection with 3:24 minutes left proved too costly for the black-and-gold as JD Cagulangan silenced the “Go USTE” chants with his signature stepback jumper in the waning moments, spoiling UST’s dream run.
España’s best Cabañero, Paranada, and Gelo Crisostomo tallied 12 points each in the loss.
State U seeks to redeem their lost glory when they clash with the De La Salle Green Archers in a highly-anticipated finals rematch.
QUARTERLY SCORES: 16-14, 33-35, 57-50, 78-69
